On Campus

On April 23, 2026 the first large-scale Afro Festival was held in the central atrium of the HSE University Pokrovka building. The event was organised by the African Students Association together with the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni. During the festival, HSE students and staff explored the cultures of African countries by listening to music, dancing, and getting to know one another.

In September 2025, Nizhny Novgorod became the centre of the international youth movement, hosting around 2,000 participants from 120 regions of Russia and abroad at the World Youth Festival Assembly. Students of HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod’s Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication, Fundamental and Applied Linguistics, and International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics programmes were involved in the event in a variety of roles, from attachés and volunteers to performers and speakers.

On July 4, 2025, the graduation ceremony for students of the International Preparatory Year Programme took place. The event marked an anniversary for the International Preparatory Year, which has been operating since 2015. The idea of creating a preparatory faculty arose from the need to provide quality training in the Russian language for those who want to study at Russian universities, especially at HSE University.

At the end of May, the HSE University Cultural Centre hosted the Day of Azerbaijani Culture, organised by the Azerbaijani Student Club. Festival guests sampled national treats, took part in a quiz with prizes, and immersed themselves in the festive atmosphere of a concert with music and traditional dancing. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation Rahman Sahib oglu Mustafayev was the event’s special guest.

On May 18, 2025, HSE University hosted the Inter Football Cup. For the third year in a row HSE students and staff from different countries took part in the event. This tournament has become a real celebration not only for football fans, but also for anyone looking to meet new people and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of friendship and unity.

On April 26, HSE University–St Petersburg held the African Festival. Currently, there are more than 100 students from 20 African countries at the university, most of whom showed up for the first festival of its kind this April. HSE's African students proudly presented their traditions, cultural values, vibrant dances, and unique landmarks of their countries. It was an unforgettable journey into the colourful culture and multifaceted heritage of Africa.

The HSE building on Griboyedova Canal Embankment hosted an event devoted to Nowruz—an ancient Eastern festival symbolising the beginning of a new year and renewal of nature. Students of various universities from Pakistan, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan shared their distinctive local traditions, festive decorations, and national cultural practices.

In 2025, HSE University-St Petersburg opened the Centre for Russian Language and Culture at the School of Arts and Humanities. The centre offers various courses for international applicants, the largest of which is the 'Pre-University Programme', a Russian preparatory course for those intending to enrol in full-time bachelor's and master's programmes. Read on to find out more about the centre's activities, courses, and study conditions.

The HSE building on Kantemirovskaya Street hosted the first meeting of the project 'Mexican Traditions—Why Are Mexicans Always Happy?' Students and professors learnt about national festivals, customs, and traditions in Latin America, as well as opportunities for academic mobility.

The SmallShorts Festival will be held via the HSE Art and Design School competitive platform as part of the ninth season of the HSE CREATIVE OPEN International Student Award until March 17, 2025. The competition is divided into three categories.